Jim,
At EK the 777 does 2 day europes/uk and 4 - 7day asia/oz. The 330 manly 2 day europe 3-4 day asia and right now most of the sub contitent. 10 -15 days off/month,some guys take vacation here just to play golf or go to the beach. It,s hot in the summer so families tend to get away from the heat if they can, there is lot,s to do inside(same as the Canadian Prarrie;s in the winter-40)
The bid system is about to change in Jan to Adopt, we use to be able to bid 8 days off at a go but that will change.
There will be 7 bid groups, so the bottem 2-3 you will not get much of the good stuff.
Dubai for the most part is very western, no real restrictions for you or your wife and kids. My 3 ( Wife and 2 kids) love it here.
Good schools, can be hard to get into.
Housing is the wild card. There are some area's that are nicer than others, but the villas/apts themselves are very nice.
Like I said most guys really like it here and only a few make noise.
The recent change calling for DE capt,s has alot of talk, but if we fly the planes we make more profit and that should make everyone happy
hope that helps